The wing is responsible for the 146th and 147th Air Refueling Squadrons, both of which operate the KC-135E. Formed as the 146th Fighter Squadron in June 1948 with F-47Ns, the unit converted to the F-51H in June 1951 as a Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, with the F-84F assigned in 1954. The F-86D was operated from 1957 and progressively replaced by the F-86L. The F-102A was flown from 1960 until transition to A-7D in April 1975. The squadron won the F-102A category at the 1963 William Tell competition. The unit commenced transition to the KC-135E in late 1991, changing designation to an Air Refueling Squadron. The unit was also transferred from the 112th Group to the 171st ARW.

The 147th was formed as a Fighter Squadron in April 1949 with F-47Ns, and was redesignated the 147th FIS and re-equipped with the F-51H in June 1951. Equipment was upgraded to the F-84F in late 1954, and the F-86D/L early in 1958. The squadron converted to the C-119J in May 1961 as the 147th Aeromedical Transport Squadron before receiving the C-121G in 1963. The 171st ATG was formed in February 1964 and subsequently changed to Wing status. The 147th was redesignated a Military Airlift Squadron and activated between May 1968 and December 1969. The unit switched to KC-97Ls in October 1972 as the 147th ARS, and upgraded to the KC-135A in July 1977. The Stratotankers were re-engined in 1983 to become KC-135Es.